Chaos is the science of surprises, of the nonlinear and the unpredictable. It teaches us to expect the unexpected. It would seem that Republicans in Congess need to study this concept so that the ripples spreading across the country due to the shutdown can finally resonate within them.
My husband is in private practice. He is an oral surgeon with several offices. Today he had some ripples come across our little pond.
One of his employees is married to a government employee. Her husband is furloughed, eliminating the main source of income for the family. She is terrified. Today was payday for the practice. The hourly employee will open up her paycheck to see that my husband gave her extra money. He felt he had to do something to help.
Her daycare provider also stepped up. She explained the situation & said that her husband would watch the kids next week, since he was home. She was distraught because she knew the policy was you pay if the kids go or not. She was near tears explaining they couldn't afford to pay. The daycare provider told her they would waive the fee for the week.
A patient came into to one of his offices asking to cancel a scheduled operation for next week. She explained she was furloughed & wouldn't be able to cover the copay. She said she would try & reschedule for November. They called my husband who told them to tell the woman not to worry. She could pay it when she got back to work.
I know that the daily lives of these "government" employees don't matter to those in Congress lacking in empathy. But they need to understand that the smallest flutter of a Republican's gleeful clap results in pain. Financial, emotional, & physical pain. It is felt by friends, family, co-workers, & anyone except a Grinch who's heart is three sizes too small.
So I offer a challenge to fellow Kos. If you know a family affected, do a random act of kindness. Offer to drive to save them gas. Bring over a meal or better yet have them over to your house for one (& send them home with leftovers). Rent a cheerful movie (not Mr. Smith Goes to Washington) & bring it over with some popcorn.
To all those Federal Employees caught in the backlash please know that many in this country value you & the job you do. On a personal note, I would like to say thank you for the job you do to make many parts of my daily life better. May you be back on the job soon.